Hudson Valley

Top Playgrounds for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Sun, 05/19/2019 - 10:00am

Beautiful parks are plentiful throughout Westchester and Lower Hudson Valley—and while picnicking, hiking, and gorgeous views are great, what kids tend to care about most is the playground.

It's generally easy enough to find a playground nearby, but sometimes it's worth heading out past your neighborhood park for a playground that packs a little more punch. We've rounded up seven fun spots that are worth the drive. All boast imaginative play structures, shade, and other amenities that add up to a day of fun for the whole family.

Best Amusement Parks for Preschoolers in and Near NYC

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 05/16/2019 - 1:30pm

For young children, a ride on a carousel’s painted pony, a spin with dad around the bumper car track, and a dripping swirl of frozen custard are the stuff summer memories are made of. No need to seek out the latest scary high-tech roller coasters (which means you can cross Luna Park's most scary rides off your list).

Rides that look mild (or frankly, downright boring) to big people usually provide just the right amount of thrills for toddlers and preschoolers. Happily, there are a number of amusement and water parks in or near the New York City metro area that offer these kinds of tame attractions. Here's our roundup of theme parks perfect for the pint-sized.

Find more seasonal rides in our Theme and Water Parks Guide for families.

Splash Pads and Water Playgrounds in Westchester and Hudson Valley

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 05/12/2019 - 9:00am

Ready to cool off this summer? There are plenty of local pools and swimming lakes, but if you’re looking for something a little different, a splash pad or sprayground is a great choice. The setting is especially fun for younger kids, who can run through the sprinklers and water jets, so swim vest required. Lucky for us, there's a slew of family-friendly sprinkler parks to choose from in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, whether you’re looking for a quick morning trip or an all-day adventure.

We’ve rounded up a few to check out, from Yonkers to Wappingers Falls, including several that offer FREE entry.

Pick-Your-Own Strawberry Farms and Festivals in the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 05/05/2019 - 12:00pm

With spring in full swing, it's almost time to head out to the Hudson Valley's pick-your-own farms to gather some sweet, sun-ripened strawberries. There are plenty of places throughout the Hudson Valley where kids of all ages can try their hand at picking, and we've rounded up a few of our favorites here.

The season usually starts around the beginning of June, but be sure to call ahead first. Not into picking them yourself? We've also included a few strawberry festivals you can check out instead!

Upstate NY Day Trip: 25 Things To Do with Kids in New Paltz

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 05/03/2019 - 12:00pm

Similar in spirit to nearby Woodstock, New Paltz is laid-back college town in the shadow of the Shawangunk Mountains that offers plenty of outdoor and indoor attractions for all ages, especially in warmer months. Families can swim in a mountain lake, enjoy a hike amidst beautiful scenery, pick produce at local farms, visit quaint shops and restaurants, and explore a historic 17th-century community.

While New Paltz is just 90 minutes away by car from NYC and even closer to Westchester, the scenery suggests a faraway land. Adding to this appeal are the many festivals and other annual events that readers might consider timing their visit to coincide with.

Read on for 25 ways to enjoy New Paltz with kids. You'll find plenty of reasons to stay more than a day!

Family-Friendly Beer Gardens in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 04/19/2019 - 10:00am

Spring is finally here, and it's time to start planning outdoor fun. Here's something the whole family can get in on: going to one of the beer gardens in the area. Sure, a beer garden might not seem like the first place you’d take little ones, but with kid-friendly food and even games and toys, it can be a great spot to spend a sunny afternoon.

In search of more family fun? Check our Event Calendar, and sign up for our newsletters.

See Baby Animals and More at Kid-Friendly Farms in Westchester and Hudson Valley

Submitted by Janine Annett on Fri, 04/12/2019 - 12:00pm

Have an animal lover on your hands? Westchester and the Lower Hudson Valley are filled with opportunities to see animals up close and personal—including farms, nature centers, orchards, and animal sanctuaries. Many of these spots also offer kid-friendly activities in addition to the chance to see, touch, and feed horses, goats, cows, pigs, chickens, alpacas, and more.

Read on for our top picks, and be sure to sign up for our newsletters for more family-friendly activities. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook!

100 Things To Do with Westchester Kids Before They Grow Up

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 04/07/2019 - 11:00am

There are many reasons families choose to raise their kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. One factor is the abundance of special offerings that are unique to this area. But there might be even more to take in than you realize!

Toward that end, we’re offering up our top 100 things to do with kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Whether it's gawking at the opulent mansions that line the Hudson River, attending a festival, celebrating Halloween, savoring a local delectable, being outdoors, or taking in a show, these activities offer quality fun for the whole family. You've probably already experienced several of our picks, but chances are that you haven't gotten to them all just yet.

Read on for 100 must-do, family-friendly activities throughout Westchester and the Hudson Valley with kids. Some are seasonal, some are year-round—and all are worth doing! Download our free printable version and check them off as you go.

STEAM Camps for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Sun, 03/10/2019 - 10:00am

STEAM classes (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) are all the rage these days, and with good reason. Job opportunities in many of these fields continue to grow as our world becomes ever more dependent on technology.

Kids may not care about their career prospects just yet, but that doesn't mean they can't have a blast while learning these subjects. The best STEM/STEAM camps keep fun at the forefront. We've rounded up camps throughout Westchester and the lower Hudson Valley that offer educational and interactive experiences for school-age kids. Looking for more camp ideas? Consult our Summer Camp Guide and sign up for our newsletters.

35 Things To Do with Kids in the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Fri, 03/01/2019 - 10:00am

The Hudson Valley is a year-round destination for families all over the Tri-State area, and it's no surprise. It boasts natural beauty, delicious food, and wonderful museums, historic sites, theaters, and play spaces. With events timed for nearly every holiday, and enough attractions to suit almost any type of family, the area makes for the perfect family getaway or day trip.

We’ve gathered up our top 30 things to do in the Hudson Valley—destinations that will appeal to natives and visitors alike. (Attention latter group: If you need somewhere to stay while you explore, we’ve got you covered there, too.) So read on, make your checklist, and sign up for our newsletters to stay in the know!